Job Description

NYA Animal Care Associate Mammals & Birds

Join to apply for the NYA Animal Care Associate Mammals & Birds role at Wildlife Conservation Society .

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the worlds premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through bestinclass science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our worldclass zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.

Title: Animal Care Associate
Positions: 3
Days: 32 hours per week each (4 days/week)
Salary: $1921 per hour
Period: March 1, 2026 October 31, 2026
Schedule: Must be able to work weekdays as well as Saturdays, Sundays and holidays

Position Summary: The Marine Mammal and Bird Animal Care Associate (ACA) works in the Aquatheater Show area (Behavioral Husbandry Team) and the Sea Cliffs Exhibits Marine Mammal and Penguin areas. This individual provides all elements of basic animal care including but not limited to food preparation, cleaning kitchen and animal areas, feeding the animals, and maintaining basic operant condition training.

The ACA also narrates shows in the Aquatheater show area and communicates with guests during scheduled animal encounters. The ACA can learn to interpret exhibit feeds, and learn to assist with all daily functions of animal care pertaining to both the Sea Cliffs and Behavioral Husbandry Teams.

Principle Duties / Responsibilities

• Provide educational, dynamic and enthusiastic narrations to small and large groups.
• Perform with and without sea lions and harbor seals in shows in the New York Aquariums 1600 seat stadium, the Aquatheater. Animal handling is contingent on the individuals experience and ability to receive and apply input as well as animal and team needs/growth.
• Participate in feeds and training sessions with California sea lions, harbor seals, California Sea Otters, and African penguins.
• Provide excellent interchanges with guests, by maintaining general knowledge of park attractions and amenities, answering questions and creating an excellent guest experience in accordance with the values and mission of the Wildlife Conservation and WCS standards of guest service.
• Assist Keepers and Trainers with training volunteer and intern staff and overseeing their growth.
• Maintain sound system equipment, stadium, stage and pool cleanliness.
• Work outdoors for long periods of time in a variety of sometimes extreme weather conditions.
• Assist the Behavioral Husbandry and Sea Cliffs teams in carrying out any additional operational duties.

Qualification Requirements

• College level studies in biology or a related field. A bachelors degree preferred.
• At least 1 years experience in a zoo/aquarium or other relevant animal care environment preferred. Understanding and application of operant conditioning preferred.
• Must have a current, valid drivers license.
• Scuba certification preferred.

Additional Qualifications

• Be physically capable of carrying a minimum of 50lbs, walking on rocky naturalistic animal habitats, moving quickly from one area of the park to another, climbing stairs, and all other physical functions.
• Possess and maintain a positive attitude and professional demeanor.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and adapt quickly to changing priorities and schedules.
• Ability and versatility to work independently and as part of a team.
• Possess exceptional communication and public speaking.
• Possess good animal observation skills.
• Capability to work with and direct interns and volunteers in a respectful manner.
• Possess basic swimming skills.
• Must have worked in some capacity with domestic or wild animals or have done an internship at an animal facility.
• SCUBA certification and AAUS training a plus.

Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer

WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging in a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories. It is everyones responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a persons membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCSs employment policies. Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidates individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.

Salary Range

$19.00 $21.00 per hour

Seniority Level

• Entry level

Employment Type

• Temporary

Job Function

• Science and Other

Industries

• Environmental Services and Nonprofit Organizations

Job Tags

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